Numbers 29:7

KJV

And ye shall have on the tenth [day] of this seventh month an holy convocation; and ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall not do any work [therein]:

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye shall have on the tenth {H6218} day of this seventh {H7637} month {H2320} an holy {H6944} convocation {H4744}; and ye shall afflict {H6031} your souls {H5315}: ye shall not do {H6213} any work {H4399} therein:

Complete Jewish Bible

"'On the tenth day of this seventh month you are to have a holy convocation. You are to deny yourselves, and you are not to do any kind of work;

Berean Standard Bible

On the tenth day of this seventh month, you are to hold a sacred assembly, and you shall humble yourselves; you must not do any work.

American Standard Version

And on the tenth day of this seventh month ye shall have a holy convocation; and ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall do no manner of work;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 29:7 prescribes the solemn observance for the tenth day of the seventh month, which is the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). This verse mandates a "holy convocation," a sacred assembly set apart for God, alongside the command to "afflict your souls," signifying a period of deep self-humiliation, repentance, and fasting. Furthermore, it prohibits any ordinary work, emphasizing the day's unique spiritual significance as a time for national purification and reconciliation with God, distinct from all other festivals in the Israelite calendar.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 29:7 is situated within a larger liturgical section of the book of Numbers (Numbers 29:1-40) that meticulously details the specific offerings and solemn assemblies required for the various festivals throughout the Israelite year. This chapter immediately follows the second census of the Israelites (Numbers 26) and the laws concerning inheritances (Numbers 27), as well as specific regulations for daily and Sabbath offerings (Numbers 28). Numbers 29 itself systematically lists the sacrifices for the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah), the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), demonstrating the Israelites' ongoing covenant obligations and the importance of precise worship. The detailed instructions for the Day of Atonement in this verse complement and reinforce the more extensive theological and ritualistic explanations found in [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement Rituals") and [Leviticus 23:26-32](/leviticus/23-26 "Leviticus 23:26-32 - The Day of Atonement Regulations"), underscoring its unparalleled solemnity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The commands in Numbers 29:7 were given to the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, preparing them for life in the Promised Land. The seventh month (Tishrei, corresponding to September-October) was agriculturally significant, marking the end of the harvest cycle, but it was also a month of intense spiritual focus. The tenth day of this month, Yom Kippur, stood out as the most sacred and solemn day in the ancient Israelite calendar. Unlike other festivals which often included joyous feasting and celebration of God's provision, Yom Kippur was a day of national repentance and purification. It was the one day of the year when the High Priest entered the Most Holy Place to make atonement for the sins of the people and the sanctuary itself, a ritual described in detail in [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement Rituals"). The commands to "afflict your souls" and cease from work were radical, demanding a complete societal pause for corporate and individual introspection, demonstrating absolute dependence on God's mercy for forgiveness.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in the Pentateuch. The theme of **Holiness** is paramount, as the day is designated a "holy convocation," emphasizing its sacredness and the need for a holy people to approach a holy God. The command to "afflict your souls" brings forth the theme of **Repentance and Humility**, highlighting the necessity of self-denial and a contrite spirit in the face of sin, a posture essential for reconciliation. This is directly linked to the overarching theme of **Atonement**, even though the specific sacrificial rituals are detailed elsewhere (e.g., [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement Rituals")). The cessation from "any work" reinforces the theme of **Sabbath Rest and Devotion**, extending the principle of setting aside time for God from the weekly Sabbath to an annual, national scale, allowing for undistracted spiritual focus. These themes collectively underscore God's unwavering demand for purity and His provision for forgiveness within the framework of His covenant relationship with Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Holy convocation (Hebrew, _miqra' qodesh_):** This phrase literally means "a summoned assembly of holiness" or "a holy calling." It signifies a divinely mandated gathering, a time and place set apart by God for His people to meet with Him in a special way. It implies not merely a physical gathering but a spiritual dedication, where the normal activities of life are suspended to focus solely on the sacred purpose of the day. The term emphasizes the divine initiative in calling the assembly and the sacred nature of the occasion.
* **Afflict your souls (Hebrew, _'anah nephesh_):** This is a crucial and multifaceted command. The verb _'anah_ (עָנָה) carries meanings such as "to humble," "to abase," "to oppress," or "to deny oneself." When combined with _nephesh_ (נֶפֶשׁ), meaning "soul," "self," or "life," it denotes a deep internal and often external humbling. In the context of the Day of Atonement, it primarily refers to fasting (abstaining from food and drink), but it also encompasses other forms of self-denial, such as abstaining from bathing, anointing, wearing leather shoes, and marital relations. More profoundly, it signifies a posture of sincere contrition, introspection, and sorrow for sin, a spiritual discipline meant to foster a humble and repentant heart before God.
* **Any work (Hebrew, _melakhah_):** This term refers to ordinary, customary, or occupational labor. The prohibition against "any work" on the Day of Atonement signifies a complete cessation from all secular activities, similar to the Sabbath rest. This was not merely for physical recuperation but primarily to ensure that the entire nation could dedicate themselves fully and without distraction to the solemn spiritual observances of the day, focusing on repentance, prayer, and the rituals of atonement. It underscored the day's absolute sacredness and its unique purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall have on the tenth [day] of this seventh month":** This precisely specifies the timing of the observance. The "seventh month" (Tishrei) held immense spiritual significance, beginning with the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) and culminating in the Day of Atonement, followed by the Feast of Tabernacles. The "tenth day" marks this particular day as unique and distinct, emphasizing its singular importance within the annual cycle.
* **"an holy convocation;":** This phrase defines the nature of the gathering. It was not an optional assembly but a divinely commanded one, a sacred calling for the entire community. It highlights that the day was set apart for God, demanding the full attention and reverence of the people as they collectively approached Him.
* **"and ye shall afflict your souls:":** This is the central spiritual command for the day. As detailed in "Key Word Analysis," it involves fasting and other forms of self-denial, but its deeper meaning is one of profound internal humility, contrition, and repentance for sins. It signifies a posture of genuine sorrow and a desire for reconciliation with God, acknowledging one's unworthiness and dependence on His grace.
* **"ye shall not do any work [therein]:":** This command reinforces the sacredness of the day by prohibiting all ordinary labor. It ensures that the people's focus remains entirely on the spiritual purpose of the Day of Atonement, free from the distractions and demands of daily life. This cessation of work allowed for undistracted prayer, introspection, and participation in the atonement rituals.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 29:7, like much of the legal material in the Pentateuch, employs **Prescriptive Language** and a **Didactic Tone**, directly instructing the Israelites on how to observe God's commands. The verse is characterized by **Conciseness**, packing multiple significant directives into a single sentence, reflecting the authoritative nature of divine law. There is an element of **Emphasis** through the double command: "afflict your souls" and "ye shall not do any work," highlighting the two primary requirements for the day. The placement of this verse within a detailed list of festival regulations (Numbers 29) demonstrates **Categorization** and **Systematization**, showing the orderly nature of God's expectations for His people's worship. Furthermore, the Day of Atonement itself, with its unique demands, serves as a **Contrast** to the more joyous festivals, underscoring its singular solemnity and purpose within the annual liturgical calendar.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 29:7 encapsulates foundational theological truths about sin, holiness, and divine mercy. The command to "afflict your souls" highlights the biblical understanding that sin is a grave offense against a holy God, requiring a posture of genuine humility and repentance for reconciliation. This self-abasement was not for earning forgiveness, but for demonstrating the contrite heart necessary to receive God's gracious provision of atonement. The Day of Atonement, as prescribed here, underscores God's meticulous plan for maintaining a holy relationship with His covenant people, even in the presence of their persistent sin. It reveals that God Himself provides the means for cleansing and forgiveness, emphasizing His justice in requiring atonement and His boundless love in making it available. This annual ritual served as a powerful reminder of the nation's ongoing need for divine grace and the seriousness of living in covenant with a holy God.

* [Leviticus 16:29-31](/leviticus/16-29 "Leviticus 16:29-31 - The Law of Atonement")
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalm/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - The Sacrifice of a Broken Spirit")
* [Isaiah 58:3-7](/isaiah/58-3 "Isaiah 58:3-7 - True Fasting")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 29:7, though rooted in ancient Israelite ceremonial law, offers profound spiritual principles for believers today. The call to "afflict your souls" transcends mere ritual fasting; it beckons us to cultivate a lifestyle of humility, self-examination, and sincere repentance before God. In a world that often celebrates self-indulgence, this verse reminds us of the spiritual discipline required to acknowledge our sinfulness and our absolute dependence on God's grace. It encourages us to set aside dedicated time for spiritual focus – whether through personal devotion, corporate worship, or seasons of fasting and prayer – to intentionally draw near to God without the distractions of daily life. While we no longer observe the Day of Atonement for the purpose of earning forgiveness, the underlying principles of a contrite heart, a hunger for God's presence, and a willingness to humble ourselves remain eternally relevant for maintaining a vibrant relationship with our holy God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I "afflict my soul" (humble myself, practice self-denial, confess sin) in my daily walk with God?**
* **How does the concept of a "holy convocation" challenge me to set apart time for undistracted spiritual focus in my busy life?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the seriousness of sin and the necessity of God's provision for atonement?**

### FAQ

**What is the "seventh month" referred to in Numbers 29:7?**

Answer: The "seventh month" refers to the month of Tishrei in the Hebrew calendar, which typically falls in September or October in the Gregorian calendar. This month was unique because it contained several significant festivals: the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) on the first day, the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) on the tenth day, and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) from the fifteenth to the twenty-first day. The concentration of these holy days made the seventh month a period of intense spiritual reflection and national observance for ancient Israel, with the Day of Atonement being the most solemn.

**Does the command to "afflict your souls" still apply to Christians today?**

Answer: While the specific ceremonial observance of the Day of Atonement, including the ritualistic "affliction of souls" for national atonement, has been fulfilled in Christ (as discussed in [Hebrews 9](/hebrews/9 "Hebrews 9 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")), the underlying spiritual principle of humbling oneself before God remains profoundly relevant for Christians. "Afflicting your souls" in the Old Testament context primarily meant fasting and demonstrating sincere repentance. For believers today, this translates to spiritual disciplines such as fasting, self-examination, confession of sin, and cultivating a contrite heart (see [Psalm 51:17](/psalm/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - The Sacrifice of a Broken Spirit")). It signifies a humble posture of dependence on God's grace and a willingness to deny self for spiritual growth, rather than as a means to earn forgiveness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 29:7, with its solemn commands for the Day of Atonement, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The annual requirement for Israel to "afflict their souls" and the elaborate sacrificial rituals of Yom Kippur, designed to make atonement for the nation's sins, were powerful foreshadows of the once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus, as our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), did not enter an earthly sanctuary with the blood of goats and calves, but rather entered the heavenly sanctuary with His own precious blood, securing an [eternal redemption](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption") for all who believe. The "affliction" of the people's souls pointed to the profound suffering and self-humiliation of Christ on the cross, where He bore the full weight of humanity's sin, becoming the ultimate atoning sacrifice. We no longer need annual rituals because Christ's sacrifice was complete and sufficient, providing perfect cleansing and reconciliation. Therefore, for the believer, the spiritual principles of humility and repentance remain, but they are now lived out in grateful response to the finished work of Christ, who has made us holy and blameless before God (cf. [Colossians 1:21-22](/colossians/1-21 "Colossians 1:21-22 - Reconciled in Christ")). His death and resurrection are our true and eternal Day of Atonement, granting us direct access to the Father (cf. [Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 16:29

¶ And [this] shall be a statute for ever unto you: [that] in the seventh month, on the tenth [day] of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, [whether it be] one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you:

Leviticus 16:31

It [shall be] a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever.

Matthew 5:4

Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Zechariah 12:10

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for [his] only [son], and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn.

Romans 6:6

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

James 4:8

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.

James 4:10

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.